Instructor: Debate and public speaking skills are of extraordinary value to middle school students. Participation in debate can boost a student’s self-esteem and self-confidence while building the habits associated with becoming a critical thinker, and ultimately an informed global citizen. Debate at O’Dowd will provide students with valuable skill set building, that includes: ● Empathy Building: Students are rewarded for listening to and quoting their opponents and teammates ● Note Taking: Students and judges take detailed notes during debates, as the content of debates determines their outcome. ● Research Skills: Students will deliver informed extemporaneous speeches based on their own research that center on an identified, pre-assigned resolution. ● Dynamic Format: Debates include interactive elements to ensure students are engaged throughout the course of practice sessions, with constructive critiques to assist them in gaining confidence and mastery of this oratorical discipline. ● Multiplistic & Evaluative Thinking: Debaters must be prepared to argue either side of an issue and weigh the importance of different arguments, crystallizing and synthesizing the most important elements about the topic at hand.
Discuss This Activity